Existing comment:
George Catlin
Wash-ka-mon-ya, Fast Dancer, a Warrior
1844–45
oil on canvas
Known by his nickname, Jim, Wash-ka-mon-ya turned out to be among the most curious about his European hosts. He could communicate in English and kept a diary of his European trip. Catlin presents him as a warrior: the blue handprint indicates he had killed an enemy in hand-to-hand combat, while the red zig-zag on his forehead denotes speed and agility. He also wears medals from the American president and the French king.
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison Jr., 1985.66.520 |